Women – Colon Cancer A preventable threat

How does colon cancer manifest itself?

colon cancer It is a cancer that originates in the epithelium of the colon. According to the World Health Organization in 2020, colon cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death. Most develop from polyps in the colon. In which the first stage is a small polyp. But over time, when the polyp grows in size. Some of the polyps will start to become cancerous and spread further, as in Figure 1. The various symptoms of colon cancer, whether it be blood in the stool or constipation and diarrhea. It is often found in tumors that are already large.

What are the benefits of colon cancer screening?

Colon cancer screening The goal is to be able to detect polyps in the colon before they become cancerous (Figure 2). It can be treated by cutting the polyps through gastrointestinal endoscopy. Colonoscopy and removal of colon polyps as they are not cancerous. It can prevent the onset of colon cancer.

Who should be screened for colon cancer?

Factors that can cause colon polyps include advanced age and family history of colon cancer patients. that if there are immediate family members such as parents, siblings having a history of colon cancer Increases the risk of colon cancer in other family members.

When should I start screening?

For people without a family history of colon cancer It is recommended to start screening at the age of 45-50 or older, even if there are no symptoms. Screening is recommended at age 40 or at age 10 before the age of patients diagnosed with colon cancer. For example, if a family member is diagnosed with colon cancer at age 45, it is recommended that immediate family members start screening at age 35, etc. If they meet the screening criteria, it is recommended that they consult a doctor at the large bowel cancer screening hospital

How to screen for colon cancer

Currently there are two types of screening tests: the first is the direct examination, or colonoscopy. Your doctor will insert a camera into your rectum and look at your entire colon. If polyps are found the colon can be clipped out using the camera immediately or if a polyp is found which is suspected to be cancer A biopsy will be available for confirmation. This is the best method to detect colon cancer. But there is one drawback. The patient must take a laxative to cleanse the colon before the colonoscopy. And complications can occur during endoscopy. If the colonoscopy shows no abnormalities It is recommended to repeat it every 10 years. Other less effective methods include CT colonography every 5 years, stool testing for latent blood. or a stool test for DNA. The recommended method is a fecal occult blood test. It’s an easy and painless way to do it. It is recommended to check every 1 year, but if blood is found in the stools they should be further examined by colonoscopy. The other methods, such as an enema in the anus. or a blood test for that cancer have a relatively low detection ability. Therefore, it is not recommended for colon cancer screening.

In summary, colorectal cancer is a common cancer and a leading cause of death. Colon cancer develops from colon polyps. Colon polyp stage screening is therefore important to prevent colon cancer progression.

Fig. 1 Progression to colon cancer.

Fig. 2 Intestinal polyps (arrow, left) and colon cancer (arrow, right).

Lt. Colonel (W) Ms. Thanyaporn Chantarojsiri

work gastrointestinal diseases Internal Medicine Rajavithi Hospital

Royal College of Physicians of Thailand